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How to Become A Composer

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What is a Composer

A composer creates original music and rearranges existing works across many different formats. From film scores and game soundtracks to advertising jingles and live stage productions, the craft covers a huge range. Composers translate emotions and ideas into melody, harmony, and rhythm. They write music in standard notation so performers can play it.

Day-to-day, composers might work with a filmmaker on a movie score or with an ad agency on a 30-second jingle. They research musical styles, discuss briefs with clients, and revise their work based on feedback. Attending rehearsals and listening to how the music sounds live is a key part of the process. The job is a constant mix of creative thinking and practical problem-solving.

One of the best things about this career is how varied it is. Composers can work in arts organisations, production companies, advertising agencies, or as freelancers running their own schedule. Collaboration is a big part of the role. Many composers love working with musicians, directors, and producers to bring a project to life. With the right skills and a solid portfolio, there are paths into this career from university, TAFE, and hands-on experience.

If music is your passion and you love telling stories through sound, composing could be the career for you. The work can be challenging and competitive, but it is also deeply rewarding. Every piece you create is a chance to move an audience and leave your mark on a project. Explore music composition courses on Career FAQs.

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Career Outlook for Composer

Composing in Australia is a small but active career field. Around 410 people work as composers, with 63% in full-time roles (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021 Census). The median age is 41 years, and composers work an average of 42 hours per week. Future demand is rated as Moderate by the Australian Government (Your Career, 2025).

Most composer roles are in New South Wales (45.2%) and Victoria (27.8%). These states are home to the bulk of Australia’s arts, media, and film work (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021 Census). Around 38% of composers hold a bachelor degree and 25% hold postgraduate qualifications. By comparison, the averages across all jobs are 23% and 12%. The broader Music Professionals group earns a median of around $92,000 per year (Jobs and Skills Australia, May 2025).

Streaming, gaming, and online content are creating new demand for original music. Composers who adapt to these channels have growing scope for work beyond arts and broadcasting. The field rewards those who combine strong creative skills with a drive to keep learning.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Composer

Step 1: Build a solid music base

Start by building a solid base in music theory. Learn scales, chords, harmony, and formal structure. Study an instrument. Piano or guitar works best for writing music, as both help you explore melody and harmony. Practice often and take lessons where you can. This base shapes everything you write as a composer.

Step 2: Complete a formal qualification in music composition

Enrol in a Bachelor of Music (Composition) at an Australian university. This degree takes 3–4 years full-time. It covers harmony, scoring for different instruments, music history, and key ways to compose. TAFE and registered training organisations (RTOs) also offer the Certificate IV in Music Industry as a shorter path. This certificate takes around 12 months full-time (confirm the current national code on training.gov.au). Both paths build the creative and technical skills that clients and employers look for.

Step 3: Learn music production software

Strong skills in digital audio workstation (DAW) software are now needed for most composition work. Learn tools such as Logic Pro, Ableton Live, or Sibelius for notation. These skills let you demo your work and deliver it to industry standards. Most universities and RTOs include software training in their music programs.

Step 4: Build a strong portfolio

Create a body of work that shows your range as a composer. Include pieces for different formats, such as film, ensemble, solo, and commercial work. Record demos and produce score samples. A strong portfolio is your most useful tool when approaching clients and production companies. Share it through a simple website or demo reel.

Step 5: Register with APRA AMCOS and join industry bodies

Register your works with APRA AMCOS to protect your rights and earn royalties when your music is played or broadcast. Registration is free for all composers and songwriters. Consider joining the Australian Guild of Screen Composers (AGSC) if you plan to score for film or TV. These memberships give access to contracts, industry rates, networking events, and learning resources.

What does a Composer do?

A composer’s day is all about turning ideas into music. They spend most of their time creating original pieces or rearranging existing works for different projects. This might mean writing a film score in the morning and a TV commercial jingle in the afternoon. A big part of the job is talking to clients to understand what they need. Composers then translate those ideas into musical notation. They also revise their work often, taking feedback from directors, producers, and musicians. Attending rehearsals is part of the job too, making sure the music sounds right in practice. No two days look the same, which makes this career exciting for anyone who loves music.

Tasks

A composer creates music across many formats, from film scores and stage productions to TV commercials and game soundtracks. Every project is different, and composers need to match their sound to a wide range of briefs and audiences. Here are the key tasks that make up the role.

  • Write original music — Create new compositions for film, TV, theatre, games, and commercial projects.
  • Arrange existing works — Adapt pieces for different instruments, ensembles, or production styles.
  • Notate music — Write out compositions in standard musical notation so performers can play them.
  • Work with clients — Talk to filmmakers, advertising agencies, and other clients to understand their brief.
  • Revise scores — Update and improve compositions based on feedback from clients or performers.
  • Research musical styles — Study different genres and contexts to get the right sound for each project.
  • Attend rehearsals — Sit in on sessions to hear how the music sounds live and make any changes needed.
  • Manage rights — Register works and negotiate contracts through APRA AMCOS and related bodies.

Skills for Success

Being a great composer takes a mix of creativity, technical know-how, and people skills. First, you need a solid grip on music theory. That means understanding melody, harmony, rhythm, and how to write music in standard notation. Being able to play an instrument well, especially piano or guitar, also helps you bring ideas to life faster.

Tech skills matter a lot in modern composition. Most working composers use DAW (digital audio workstation) software to create, edit, and share their music. Beyond the tools, you need to communicate clearly with clients and performers to make sure the music fits the brief. Good time management and the ability to handle feedback will help you thrive in this fast-moving field. Find music theory and composition courses on Career FAQs.

Skills & Attributes

  • Music theory and composition technique
  • Proficiency in standard musical notation
  • Skill in at least one musical instrument
  • Digital audio workstation (DAW) software skills
  • Knowledge of different musical genres and styles
  • Creative and original thinking
  • Clear communication with clients and performers
  • Attention to detail in scoring and arrangement
  • Research skills for understanding project briefs
  • Time management and the ability to meet deadlines
  • Adaptability across different musical formats and projects
  • Knowledge of copyright law and royalty rights
  • Collaboration skills for working with musicians and producers
  • Willingness to take feedback and revise work

Average Salaries

The average yearly salary for a Composer in Australia is around $92,000. This figure is based on median weekly earnings of $1,766 for Music Professionals (Jobs and Skills Australia, May 2025). Entry-level composers can expect around $72,000 per year. Senior composers in set roles can earn up to $114,000 or more (SalaryExpert, 2026). Pay varies with experience, the type of work, and whether you are employed or freelance.

min $72 K

max $114 K

av $92 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.